CYBERSECURITY IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY: CREW PREPAREDNESS, ORGANISATIONAL COMMUNICATION, AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
Abstract: The maritime industry is increasingly exposed to cyber threats due to its strong reliance on information and communication technologies and automated systems. While digitalisation enhances the efficiency of maritime operations, it simultaneously creates new security challenges related to information management, the exchange of security-related data, and coordination within shipboard systems. In this context, cybersecurity is not solely a technical issue but an organisational and managerial one in which the crew plays a central role. This preliminary exploratory and descriptive study examines respondents’ reported experiences and perceptions of maritime crew awareness, preparedness, and communication concerning cyber threats. The analysis addresses crew training, respondents’ familiarity with security protocols, threat information sharing, perceived communication effectiveness among crew members, access control to information systems, and awareness of recovery plans and business continuity procedures in the event of a cyber incident. The results indicate that respondents frequently reported basic technical security measures on board, while training was often reported as a one-time experience, participation in regular simulations was limited, and awareness of information-sharing practices and protocols was inconsistent. Respondents also frequently perceived cyber incidents as potentially having operational and economic consequences, including disruptions and negative effects on the financial stability and competitiveness of shipping companies. Based on these findings, this paper proposes preliminary recommendations for improving crew cyber preparedness, considering their potential operational and economic implications for maritime operations and shipping companies. This paper builds upon previous research on cyber challenges in the Croatian maritime industry published in 2022 by Springer. The findings are based on a convenience sample of 77 male seafarers attending a Special Education Programme at a single Croatian institution. They represent respondents’ self-reported perceptions rather than verified onboard practices or demonstrated economic effects and should not be generalised to the maritime industry as a whole.
Keywords: cybersecurity, maritime industry, cyber risk management, organisational communication, economic implications